Moveable stairwell storage

ABSTRACT

An apparatus and method for storing items above a stairway in a stairwell includes an overhead storage unit that can be moved between a storage location and an access location by a suspension system which may use horizontal, parallel rails fixed to opposing walls of the stairwell in combination with rollers on the side of the storage unit. The storage location is above a lower portion of the stairway in a generally unused and inaccessible space, while the access location is above an upper portion of the stairway in a space that is easily accessible from the top of the stairway. The storage unit can include shelves, a back wall, and a handle or pull rope.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Applications No. 61/431,484, filed Jan. 11, 2011, which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety for all purpose.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to apparatus and methods for providing storage, and more particularly to apparatus and methods for converting unused, inaccessible space into storage space

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

As every homeowner knows, there is always a lack of sufficient storage space in the finished rooms of a house. This is particularly true of the kitchen. One existing solution to this problem is the use of off-site storage, but this is inconvenient and expensive. Another existing solution is to install additional shelves or other storage units in rooms of the house, but this approach reduces the usable square footage and is therefore also undesirable. Similar storage problems exist in offices, and in other facilities.

Unused space sometimes exists at certain locations near the ceiling in a home or other building, for example below a high ceiling or above the lower portion of a stairway. However, while it might be possible to mount a conventional, fixed storage unit in an unused space near the ceiling, such a unit would typically not be accessible without the use of a ladder or other inconvenient and possibly dangerous means.

There is therefore a need for providing additional conveniently accessible storage in homes and other buildings without reducing the existing useable space.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is a device and method for providing usable storage in otherwise unused or inaccessible space above a stairwell. A typical stairway extends from a lower floor to an upper floor. At the top of the stairway, the ceiling above the stairway is normally at the same level of the ceiling of the upper floor, so that as one climbs or descends the stairs, there is more than adequate overhead clearance provided for the person climbing the stairs. While this overhead clearance is actually only needed at the top of the stairway, the height of the ceiling above a stairway is typically uniform above most or all of the stairway, so that unused and unnecessary overhead space exists above a lower portion of the stairway.

According to the present invention, a storage unit is movably mounted in a stairwell above a stairway on horizontal rails which are fixed to the walls on either side of the stairwell, and which extend from a storage location above a lower portion of the stairway to an access location above an upper portion of the stairway. When not in use, the storage unit can thereby be maintained in the otherwise unused space above the lower portion of the stairway where there remains sufficient overhead clearance for use of the stairs. When access to the storage unit is needed, the storage unit is simply pulled forward by a person at or near the top of the stairs and moved along the rails to the space above the upper portion of the stairway, where it can easily be viewed and accessed by a person standing at the top of the stairway. In this position the stairway is partially blocked, of course, to normal access but only while the user is accessing the storage unit. When access is no longer needed, the storage unit slides back into the rear portion of the overhead space of the stairwell and out of the way so as not to obstruct the stairway to the lower floor.

In various embodiments, a storage unit is supported by a suspension system. A suspension system may consist of rails and wheels, ball bearings, or any horizontally movable sliding or rolling support mechanism known in the art. In other embodiments, the unit may be suspended in spring powered folding or swinging linkage system from the wall or the ceiling so as swing forward and back between extended to retracted positions, the support surfaces of the storage unit being held level or nearly level at all times and places in the motion path of the suspension system.

Shelves can be provided within the storage unit to facilitate the organization of the stored goods. Lips can be provided on the front edges of the shelves to prevent items from sliding off the shelves. A solid back can be provided to prevent items from being pushed through and falling out from the back side of the storage unit. Swinging doors or a full or partial front cover such as a roll-type cover may be used on some embodiments. A roll type or vertically sliding cover may be linked to the horizontal movement mechanism so as to open the front of the storage unit as it is being pulled forward to the extended position, and close when the storage unit is moved back into the retracted position.

The horizontally movable support mechanism in some embodiments may be sloped, such that the extended position is somewhat above or below the retracted position, as for example where the retracted position is higher and closer to the ceiling, and the extended position is lower for easier access.

The horizontally movable support mechanism may in some embodiments be powered or spring assisted to reduce or eliminate the manual effort required to move it back and forth.

The invention may be deployed in multiple sets, side by side, where the width of the stairwell permits. For example in the case where two units are slung side by side in an open stairwell, there may be a retractable center support member as a common component to the left and right side storage units, folding down, for example to permit either or both storage units to be pulled forward, and folded up when both units are in the retracted position.

Other side by side embodiments using overhead suspension systems as described above may operate independently so long as there is no mechanical interference.

One general aspect of the present invention is an apparatus for storing items in a stairwell above a stairway. The apparatus includes a pair of rails mounted horizontally on opposing walls of the stairwell, the rails being substantially parallel to each other and at a common height, the rails extending from a storage location above a lower portion of the stairway to an accessible location above an upper portion of the stairway. The apparatus further includes a storage unit and a movable mounting mechanism fixed to the storage unit and supported by the rails in a horizontally movable configuration, the storage unit being thereby horizontally movable along the rails from the storage location to the accessible location.

Some embodiments further include a plurality of shelves mounted within the storage unit.

In various embodiments the mounting mechanism includes a plurality of wheels, and each of the rails further includes a track, wherein the track further includes a center channel within which the plurality of wheels can roll. In some of these embodiments the center channel further includes a metallic strip attached to a bottom of the center channel and extending along a length of the center channel. And in certain of these embodiments the wheels are 2 inch diameter, heavy duty nylon wheels.

In other embodiments, the mounting mechanism further includes a wheel, an axle attached to the wheel, a sleeve within which the axle rotates and within which the axle slides along a longitudinal axis of the sleeve, and a bracket attaching the sleeve to the storage unit.

And in some embodiments the storage unit is approximately 45 inches high, 37 inches wide and 24 inches deep, although it may be otherwise scaled in any or all dimensions to fit the space available.

Another general aspect of the present invention is a method for providing accessible storage above a stairway in a stairwell. The method includes mounting a pair of rails substantially horizontally on opposing walls of the stairwell, the rails being mounted parallel to each other and at a common height, the rails extending from a storage location above a lower portion of the stairway to an accessible location above an upper portion of the stairway, and supporting a storage unit on the rails by a horizontally movable mounting mechanism fixed to the storage unit and supported by the rails, so that the storage unit and the mounting mechanism are movable horizontally along the rails from the storage location to the accessible location. A benefit to embodiments using simple side support systems as this is the relative ease of installation.

Some embodiments further include a plurality of shelves mounted within the storage unit.

In various embodiments the mounting mechanism includes a plurality of wheels, and each of the rails further includes a track, wherein the track further includes a center channel within which the plurality of wheels can roll. In some of these embodiments the center channel further includes a metallic strip attached to a bottom of the center channel and extending along a length of the center channel. And in certain of these embodiments the wheels are 2 inch diameter, heavy duty nylon wheels.

In other embodiments, the mounting mechanism further includes a wheel, an axle attached to the wheel, a sleeve within which the axle rotates and within which the axle slides along a longitudinal axis of the sleeve, and a bracket attaching the sleeve to the storage unit.

And in some embodiments the storage unit is approximately 45 inches high, 37 inches wide and 24 inches deep.

The features and advantages described herein are not all-inclusive and, in particular, many additional features and advantages will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art in view of the drawings, specification, and claims. Moreover, it should be noted that the language used in the specification has been principally selected for readability and instructional purposes, and not to limit the scope of the inventive subject matter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A is a left side elevation view of a typical stairwell that is compatible with embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 1B is a left side elevation view of the storage unit within a stairwell according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a front side elevation view of the storage unit according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 3 is a right side elevation view of the storage unit according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 4 is a detailed front side elevation view of the wheels and rail assembly of the storage unit according to an embodiment of the invention; and

FIG. 5 is a detailed perspective view of vertical posts and shelf supports of the storage unit according to an embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention is a device and method for providing usable storage in otherwise unused or inaccessible overhead space of a stairwell. With reference to FIG. 1A, a typical stairway 110 ascends from a lower floor 101 to an upper floor 103. At the top of the stairs, the ceiling 100 above the stairway 110 is normally at the level of the ceiling 105 of the upper floor, so that clearance is provided for the head of a person climbing the stairs 110. However, while this clearance is only needed at the top of the stairway, the height of the ceiling 100 above the stairway is typically uniform above most or all of the stairway 110, and sometimes beyond, so that unused space 107 exists above a lower portion of the stairway 110.

With reference to FIG. 1B, the storage unit 102 of the present invention is movably mounted on horizontal rails 106 which are fixed to the walls on either side of the stairwell. In various embodiments, the storage unit 102 is mounted on wheels, ball bearings, or by any horizontally movable mounting mechanism known in the art. This allows the storage unit 102 to be positioned in the unused space 107 above the lower stairway 110 when not in use, and to easily slide forward 102B to within reach of someone standing at the top 103 of the stairway 110 when visibility and access to stored goods is desired. When such access is no longer needed, the storage unit 102 slides back into the rear portion 107 of the overhead space of the stairwell and out of the way so as not to obstruct the passageway down to the lower floor 101. Of course, if there is a stairwell door 108 it should open by swinging away from the stairwell.

In the embodiment of FIG. 1B, supporting wheels 104 are attached to the bottom of the storage unit 102 and roll on the guide rails 106 which are fastened to the side walls of the stairwell. This enables storage unit 102 to easily slide back and forth within the unused overhead space of the stairwell.

Referring now to FIG. 2, there is shown a front side elevation view of the storage unit according to an embodiment of the invention. Four vertical posts 200 frame out the rectangular shaped storage unit 102 at each of the four corner edges. A platform layer 206 forms the base of the unit. A number of shelves 202 are located at suitably spaced vertical heights within the unit. Each shelf 202 has a lip 204 along the front edge of the shelf to prevent stored items from sliding forward and falling off the shelf. In similar embodiments, a door is provided on the front of the storage unit. A handle 212 is located at the front of the unit 102 and can be attached to the bottom of the unit 102 for use in pulling the unit 102 forward and pushing the unit 102 backward. In other embodiments, a cord or rope dangles from the unit 102 within reach of someone on the stairs 110.

Additional support structures 208 can be mounted below platform layer 206 and can run from the front to the back of the unit 102 along the left and right sides. Support structures 208 provide additional strength and a mounting point for wheel assemblies 210.

Referring now to FIG. 3, there is shown a right side elevation view of the storage unit according to an embodiment of the invention. Vertical posts 200, platform layer 206, shelves 202, lips 204, handle 212, support structures 208, and wheel assemblies 210 are all shown from the side. Additionally, a solid back wall 300 is shown which provides structural rigidity and prevents stored items from sliding backward and falling off the shelves. The sides of the storage unit can be left open to reduce overall weight, since they are enclosed by the walls of the stairwell. Although three wheel assemblies 210 are illustrated on each side of the storage unit, various embodiments include other quantities of wheels.

Referring now to FIG. 4, there is shown a detailed front side elevation view of the wheels and rail assembly of the storage unit according to an embodiment of the invention. The wheel assembly comprises wheel 402 attached to axle 408 which is encased in sleeve 406. Mounting bracket 400 provides an attachment for sleeve 406 to support structures 208.

The rail assembly comprises rail 416 which is attached to wall studs in stairwell (not shown). Track 414 is attached to rail 416 with lag bolts or other suitable fasteners 412. Center channel 418 is hollowed out of track 414 and metallic strip 410 is affixed to the bottom of channel 418. Wheel 402 rolls in the center channel 418 on metallic strip 410, which helps to reduce both rolling resistance and track wear.

A mirror image rail assembly (not shown) is deployed on the opposite facing wall of the stairwell. These two rail assemblies support the storage unit and allow it to easily roll horizontally back and forth within the stairwell between the stored location 102 and the accessible location 102B. Since walls in a house are rarely, if ever, perfectly parallel, the distance between the rail assemblies may vary over the course of their length. This could cause the wheels to bind up as the storage unit rolls. To prevent this problem, in the embodiment of FIG. 4 axle 408 is free to slide along the longitudinal axis of sleeve 406, which allows wheel 402 to remain in the center channel 418 while rolling, even if the walls of the stairwell, and therefore the rails 416, are not parallel.

Referring now to FIG. 5, there is shown a detailed perspective view of vertical posts and shelf supports of the storage unit according to an embodiment of the invention. Vertical support post 500 can be constructed from an angled strip of metal with notched holes 502 running the length of both faces of the strip. Horizontal shelf support 506 can similarly be constructed from an angled strip of metal with protruding tabs 504 that lock into notched holes 502.

The height and vertical spacing of the shelves can be selected to be at any suitable position by choosing the appropriate notched hole 502 into which the tabs 504 are locked.

In some embodiments the storage unit is approximately 45 inches high, 37 inches wide and 24 inches deep. In other embodiments, dimensions are suitably tailored to specific storage needs of the user and can depend on the dimensions of the stairwell and the desired headroom clearance for passage down the stairwell when the unit is retracted into the storage position 102.

In some embodiments the wheels 402 are 2 inch diameter, heavy duty nylon wheels of the type used in garage door assemblies.

In some embodiments a fully loaded storage unit may exceed 300 pounds in weight. Tests performed on a prototype unit loaded with 300 pounds of weight indicated a peak pulling force of 22 pounds required to move the unit. The required pulling force is less in embodiments that incorporate ball bearings in the wheel assemblies.

In some embodiments, the lips 204 are approximately one half inch in height. Support structure 208 can be constructed from 1-by-6 inch lumber. Shelves 202 can be constructed from fiberboard, plywood, or another suitable material. Platform layer 206 can be constructed from three-quarter inch thick plywood or another suitable material. Rail 416 can be constructed from 4-by-4 inch lumber or another suitable material. Center channel 418 can be 1 inch wide and one-half inch deep. Metallic strip 410 can be aluminum or another suitable metal.

As will be realized, the invention is capable of other and different embodiments, and its several details are capable of modifications in various respects, all without departing from the essence of the invention.

For example, there are among the embodiments an overhead storage system for installation in a stairwell over a set of stairs, consisting of a storage unit, and a suspension system. The suspension system is configured to support and provide for movement of the storage unit between an inaccessible retracted position within the stairwell providing clearance for normal passage up and down the stairs, and an accessible extended position within the stairwell where a front opening and the interior of the storage unit are within reach of a person standing at the top of the stairs, the storage unit having a width of less than the stairwell. The suspension system may be a horizontal wall-mounted side rail and roller system whereby the storage unit is equipped with rollers on each side which bear on side rails attached to the walls of the stairwell. The rollers maybe secured to the sides of the storage unit at the bottom or the top or anywhere in between. The side rails extending from the retracted position to the extended position would be attached to the side of the stairwell at the appropriate height to best position the storage unit for access in the extended position and clearance underneath for passage on the stairs when in the retracted position.

The foregoing description of the embodiments of the invention has been presented for the purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed. Many modifications and variations are possible in light of this disclosure. It is intended that the scope of the invention be limited not by this detailed description, but rather by the claims appended hereto. 

1. An apparatus for storing items in a stairwell above a stairway, the apparatus comprising: a pair of rails mounted horizontally on opposing walls of the stairwell, the rails being substantially parallel to each other and at a common height, the rails extending from a storage location above a lower portion of the stairway to an accessible location above an upper portion of the stairway; a storage unit; and a movable mounting mechanism fixed to the storage unit and supported by the rails in a horizontally movable configuration, the storage unit being thereby horizontally movable along the rails from the storage location to the accessible location.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of shelves mounted within said storage unit.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said mounting mechanism comprises a plurality of wheels, and each of said rails further comprises a track, wherein said track further comprises a center channel within which said plurality of wheels can roll.
 4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein said center channel further comprises a metallic strip attached to a bottom of said center channel and extending along a length of said center channel.
 5. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the wheels are 2 inch diameter, heavy duty nylon wheels.
 6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said mounting mechanism further comprises: a wheel; an axle attached to said wheel; a sleeve within which said axle rotates and within which said axle slides along a longitudinal axis of said sleeve; and a bracket attaching said sleeve to said storage unit.
 7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the storage unit is approximately 45 inches high, 37 inches wide and 24 inches deep.
 8. A method for providing accessible storage above a stairway in a stairwell, the method comprising: mounting a pair of rails substantially horizontally on opposing walls of the stairwell, the rails being mounted parallel to each other and at a common height, the rails extending from a storage location above a lower portion of the stairway to an accessible location above an upper portion of the stairway; and supporting a storage unit on the rails by a horizontally movable mounting mechanism fixed to the storage unit and supported by the rails, so that the storage unit and the mounting mechanism are movable horizontally along the rails from the storage location to the accessible location.
 9. The method of claim 8, further comprising a plurality of shelves mounted within said storage unit.
 10. The method of claim 8, wherein said mounting mechanism comprises a plurality of wheels, and each of said rails further comprises a track, wherein said track further comprises a center channel within which said plurality of wheels can roll.
 11. The method of claim 10, wherein said center channel further comprises a metallic strip attached to a bottom of said center channel and extending along a length of said center channel.
 12. The method of claim 10, wherein the wheels are 2 inch diameter, heavy duty nylon wheels.
 13. The method of claim 8, wherein said mounting mechanism further comprises: a wheel; an axle attached to said wheel; a sleeve within which said axle rotates and within which said axle slides along a longitudinal axis of said sleeve; and a bracket attaching said sleeve to said storage unit.
 14. The method of claim 8, wherein the storage unit is approximately 45 inches high, 37 inches wide and 24 inches deep.
 15. An overhead storage system for installation in a stairwell over a set of stairs, comprising: a storage unit; and a suspension system; the suspension system configured to support and provide for movement of the storage unit between an inaccessible retracted position within the stairwell providing clearance for normal passage up and down the stairs, and an accessible extended position within the stairwell where a front opening and the interior of the storage unit are within reach of a person standing at the top of the stairs, the storage unit having a width of less than the stairwell.
 16. The overhead storage system of claim 15, the suspension system comprising a horizontal wall-mounted roller and side rail system whereby the storage unit is equipped with rollers which bear on side rails attached to the walls of the stairwell. 